ridiculous_a i_o grant_v the_o caution_n subjoin_v viz_o that_o they_o apply_v their_o power_n always_o for_o and_o not_o against_o the_o truth_n if_o make_v effectual_a will_v indeed_o secure_v the_o event_n but_o see_v they_o only_o promise_v by_o suppose_v it_o and_o consequent_o be_v equal_o doubtful_a with_o it_o and_o real_o such_o as_o may_v recommend_v the_o most_o unwarrantable_a and_o improper_a mean_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o empty_a probability_n conclude_v nothing_o let_v the_o pope_n or_o some_o thing_n worse_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o supposition_n that_o he_o do_v not_o apply_v his_o power_n to_o obstruct_v but_o to_o advance_v what_o be_v good_a and_o not_o against_o but_o for_o the_o truth_n no_o question_n there_o will_v thence_o arise_v a_o consequential_a expedience_n and_o advantage_n but_o thence_o to_o argue_v for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o a_o appointment_n be_v plain_o to_o ranverse_v all_o reason_n and_o righteousness_n as_o it_o be_v therefore_o from_o our_o lord_n own_o warrant_n and_o blessing_n that_o we_o be_v principal_o to_o attend_v the_o success_n of_o his_o ordinance_n so_o where_o these_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o our_o present_a church-government_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o ensue_a of_o atheism_n and_o profanity_n can_v be_v deny_v the_o conclusion_n tâ—at_a â—hey_n be_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o present_a establishment_n be_v beyond_o contradiction_n but_o our_o author_n say_v that_o â—hese_fw-mi bad_a fruit_n be_v raâ—her_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o schism_n make_v by_o withdraw_a fâ—om_n the_o government_n for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a enemy_n in_o â—he_n woâ—ld_v to_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n than_o the_o wrangling_n and_o bitter_a contention_n that_o be_v raise_v about_o the_o external_a form_n of_o it_o it_o be_v answer_v division_n be_v in_o themselves_o always_o mutual_a yea_o and_o separation_n in_o some_o case_n command_v and_o necessary_a to_o conclude_v against_o the_o thing_n in_o common_a that_o which_o be_v only_o peculiar_a to_o a_o particular_a species_n be_v gross_o to_o confound_v the_o command_v out-coming_a of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n from_o babylon_n with_o tâ—e_v most_o sinful_a depart_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o heretic_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o separation_n or_o withdraw_a in_o the_o abstract_n but_o in_o its_o complexe_n cause_n condition_n &_o tendency_n that_o we_o be_v to_o regard_v he_o who_o in_o tâ—e_v fear_n of_o god_n out_o of_o a_o desire_n to_o keep_v himself_o pure_a and_o for_o a_o testimony_n against_o evil-doer_n withdraw_v from_o such_o as_o walk_v disorderly_a &_o from_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n destitute_a of_o the_o truth_n suppose_v that_o gain_n be_v godlinesseâ—_n do_v no_o less_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n than_o he_o who_o through_o proud_a and_o bitter_a contention_n flow_v from_o some_o carnal_a principle_n and_o design_n break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o bond_n of_o peace_n do_v wicked_o contemn_v our_o lord_n new_a commandment_n of_o love_n now_o whether_o the_o present_a prelate_n &_o their_o dependent_n who_o for_o perfidious_a breach_n of_o covenant_n with_o god_n &_o man_n invadingâ—_n and_o usurp_a over_o god_n house_n and_o eject_v &_o persecute_v their_o faithful_a brother_n be_v just_o disow_v and_o discountenance_v of_o all_o good_a man_n or_o such_o who_o have_v no_o encouragement_n from_o either_o the_o call_v promise_n or_o presence_n of_o god_n do_v in_o a_o tender_a fear_v not_o to_o partake_v of_o other_o man_n sin_n abstain_v from_o the_o assembly_n of_o these_o evil_a doer_n be_v from_o the_o former_a ground_n more_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o the_o present_a withdraw_a let_v all_o man_n judge_v but_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possessionâ—_n attain_v by_o falsehood_n and_o violence_n that_o make_v a_o right_a and_o the_o injurious_a expeller_n and_o nâ—t_o â—he_v expel_v be_v certain_o the_o sinful_a and_o schismatic_a divider_n so_o that_o the_o strange_a perfidyâ—_n pride_n cruelty_n avarice_n &_o profanity_n of_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o abettor_n and_o depender_n profess_v to_o be_v the_o guide_v of_o yea_o and_o have_v their_o livelihood_n and_o wealth_n by_o religion_n and_o yet_o for_o the_o most_o part_v not_o study_v so_o much_o as_o to_o vail_v their_o lewdness_n with_o a_o mask_n of_o hypocrisy_n have_v render_v religion_n itself_o contemptible_a except_o with_o a_o few_o who_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n with_o this_o horrible_a thing_n be_v undeniable_a in_o its_o own_o evidence_n as_o for_o the_o enmity_n of_o contention_n anent_o external_a form_n to_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n if_o there_o be_v real_o a_o worth_n and_o singular_a benefit_n in_o such_o form_n &_o ordinance_n that_o our_o lord_n have_v appoint_v for_o subservient_fw-fr mean_n to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o visible_a &_o certain_a a_o prejudice_n and_o evil_a influence_n in_o man_n corrupt_a novation_n all-contendings_a about_o these_o matter_n can_v be_v implicity_n censure_v as_o bitter_a wrangling_n and_o enmity_n to_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n without_o the_o just_a accusation_n of_o a_o luke_o warm_a indifferency_n in_o the_o high_a concern_v of_o the_o gospel_n he_o who_o judge_v not_o the_o purity_n and_o liberty_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n worthy_a to_o be_v contend_v forâ—_n will_v hard_o persuade_v a_o rational_a man_n that_o ever_o he_o will_v strive_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o 2._o we_o hearty_o renounce_v and_o disow_v all_o wrangling_n and_o bitter_a contention_n it_o be_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o patience_n &_o of_o our_o testimony_n that_o we_o hope_v to_o overcâ—me_v if_o these_o be_v account_v contentious_a it_o be_v but_o a_o small_a share_n of_o the_o lord_n suffering_n compare_v to_o these_o reproach_n of_o rebellion_n and_o sedition_n wherewith_o heâ—_n and_o his_o follower_n have_v be_v slander_v it_o be_v rather_o my_o regrete_n that_o in_o a_o time_n of_o such_o backsliding_n we_o have_v not_o more_o say_n from_o the_o same_o reason_n with_o jeremiah_n woe_n be_v we_o man_n of_o strife_n and_o man_n of_o contention_n to_o the_o whole_a earth_n but_o the_o peevish_a policy_n of_o such_o who_o after_o that_o by_o perjury_n contention_n and_o violence_n they_o have_v impose_v and_o press_v their_o own_o form_n and_o invention_n and_o by_o the_o same_o practice_n seat_v themselves_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o what_o they_o design_v do_v in_o effect_n retain_v the_o same_o peremptory_a rigour_n and_o do_v only_o decry_v contention_n that_o they_o may_v mock_v man_n from_o anâ—_n just_a opposition_n to_o their_o course_n do_v not_o merit_v any_o further_a notice_n he_o who_o calm_o and_o impartial_o consider_v this_o whole_a matter_n will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o contention_n separation_n nor_o division_n thing_n in_o themselves_o reciprocal_a of_o a_o middle_a signification_n that_o be_v simple_o to_o be_v condemn_v but_o it_o be_v from_o pride_n perverseness_n and_o other_o evil_a mixture_n and_o design_n that_o both_o their_o evil_a and_o scandal_n do_v proceed_v and_o on_o which_o side_n these_o be_v to_o be_v found'_v a_o small_a reflection_n may_v satisfy_v every_o inquir_a but_o now_o after_o all_o the_o vehemence_n we_o have_v hear_v the_o â—_z on_o purpose_n to_o amuse_v where_o he_o can_v prevail_v fall_v a_o wonder_v to_o see_v wise_a and_o good_a man_n make_v so_o great_a reckon_n of_o certain_a metaphysical_a exception_n against_o some_o little_a mode_n and_o formality_n of_o difference_n in_o the_o government_n and_o seâ—_n so_o little_a value_n upon_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o churchy_n â—_z '_o â—is_n answer_v the_o redargution_n imply_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o this_o exclamation_n do_v so_o palpable_o occur_v that_o i_o can_v dissemble_v the_o apostle_n observation_n thereby_o so_o obvious_o suggest_v viz._n that_o evil_a man_n and_o seducer_n wax_v worse_o and_o worse_o deceive_v and_o be_v deceive_v sore_a while_n in_o their_o deceive_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o not_o only_o our_o reason_n be_v bare_a metaphysical_a exception_n but_o that_o even_o the_o thing_n contend_v for_o be_v mere_a word_n and_o formality_n how_o do_v they_o themselves_o appear_v to_o be_v deceive_v who_o press_v theâ—e_n very_a â—ordâ—_n &_o formalitiesâ—_n more_o than_o the_o weighty_a affair_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v without_o controversy_n that_o if_o the_o argument_n be_v equal_o balance_v it_o wouâ—d_v begin_v at_o home_n &_o by_o surceass_v the_o pursuit_n of_o such_o vain_a trifle_n thereby_o most_o effectual_o frustrate_v the_o contrary_a defence_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v whatever_o the_o appearance_n be_v neither_o be_v we_o nor_o the_o author_n mistake_v upon_o the_o matter_n a_o constant_a fix_v praeses_fw-la on_o his_o
the_o case_n of_o the_o accommodation_n late_o propose_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o dumblane_n to_o the_o nonconforming_a minister_n examine_v wherein_o also_o the_o ancient_a prostasia_fw-la or_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la be_v consider_v and_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n occasional_o vindicat_fw-la together_o with_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o two_o letter_n herein_o review_v whereunto_o also_o be_v subjoin_v a_o appendix_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o narrative_a of_o the_o issue_n of_o the_o treaty_n anent_o accommodation_n ii_o cor._n xiii_o v._o viii_o for_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n print_a in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈…〉_z the_o preface_n although_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o assure_v both_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o then_o that_o the_o most_o important_a event_n of_o this_o world_n concern_v do_v much_o depend_v upon_o and_o be_v frequent_o turn_v by_o the_o observation_n or_o neglect_n of_o certain_a midse_n and_o expedient_n only_o yea_o great_o recommend_v by_o this_o their_o subservient_fw-fr aptitude_n and_o influence_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a that_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o soul_n everlasting_a wellbeing_n even_o the_o ordinance_n of_o life_n by_o he_o thereto_o appoint_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n slight_v by_o a_o abstract_n undervalue_v but_o as_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o controversy_n that_o the_o full_a persuasion_n and_o just_a estimation_n of_o these_o high_a and_o glorious_a end_n whereunto_o they_o be_v design_v will_v quick_o intend_v our_o care_n about_o all_o thing_n and_o circumstance_n thereunto_o order_v in_o a_o agreeable_a proportion_n and_o also_o extend_v our_o command_a circumspection_n to_o a_o fidelity_n even_o in_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v least_o so_o it_o be_v only_a unseriousness_n and_o insincerity_n in_o the_o main_a together_o with_o the_o diversion_n of_o other_o temptation_n that_o occasion_v all_o the_o indifferency_n contempt_n and_o mockery_n wherewith_o we_o find_v the_o simplicity_n &_o meanness_n of_o gospel-institution_n common_o entertain_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o not_o only_o they_o be_v despise_v and_o pervert_v by_o the_o vain_a pretender_n to_o liberty_n gallantry_n decency_n civil_a obedience_n or_o the_o like_a but_o also_o they_o be_v all_o contend_v for_o they_o under_o the_o specious_a affectation_n of_o more_o calm_a sublime_a and_o serene_a contemplation_n and_o the_o saucy_a reproach_n of_o hot_a disputation_n and_o bitter_a wrangling_n be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v elude_v and_o the_o thing_n vilify_v into_o empty_a formality_n and_o thereby_o a_o inlet_n make_v in_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n to_o the_o delusion_n of_o man_n invention_n how_o much_o of_o these_o truth_n may_v be_v remark_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o anticipat_v by_o a_o unnecessary_a reflection_n the_o point_n i_o aim_v at_o be_v to_o exhort_v every_o one_o desirous_a to_o be_v faithful_a to_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o this_o evil_a generation_n wherein_o the_o strange_a variety_n and_o opposition_n of_o event_n that_o we_o have_v see_v do_v suggest_v such_o strong_a temptation_n and_o interest_n have_v not_o more_o seduce_v man_n mind_n unto_o a_o irreligious_a lukwarmness_n than_o their_o spirit_n be_v most_o pernicious_o debauch_v by_o wanton_a and_o wild_a cavillation_n to_o study_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o have_v the_o mind_n enlighten_v with_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o most_o high_a sovereignty_n and_o most_o pure_a holiness_n of_o god_n the_o most_o wondered_a love_n and_o marvellous_a condescendence_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o great_a perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a law_n and_o excellency_n of_o all_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o next_o to_o have_v the_o heart_n establish_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o suitable_a faith_n and_o fear_n cleave_v unto_o god_n with_o the_o whole_a soul_n and_o strength_n and_o hate_v every_o vain_a and_o false_a way_n sure_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o qualify_v shall_v never_o be_v move_v but_o as_o he_o will_v be_v of_o a_o good_a sound_a and_o quick_a understanding_n in_o all_o thing_n so_o in_o these_o so_o much_o toss_v debate_n whereby_o the_o most_o part_n of_o this_o backsliden_fw-mi and_o light_a generation_n at_o best_o only_o seek_v therein_o the_o gratification_n of_o their_o own_o curiosity_n be_v many_o time_n sad_o stumble_v unto_o great_a irreligion_n he_o will_v easy_o discern_v and_o lay_v hold_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v convince_v that_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o matter_n be_v not_o of_o a_o low_a appearance_n then_o of_o a_o high_a and_o in_o estimable_a tendency_n to_o such_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o i_o recommend_v and_o submit_v the_o ensue_a disquisition_n if_o the_o unconcerned_a world_n do_v laugh_v if_o the_o foolish_a mock_n &_o the_o wicked_a rage_n yet_o i_o hope_v my_o work_n be_v with_o my_o god_n &_o its_o fruit_n shall_v be_v to_o all_o the_o lover_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o sincerity_n be_v move_v by_o the_o excessive_a silence_n of_o the_o one_o &_o the_o immoderate_a boast_n of_o the_o other_o of_o the_o two_o party_n engage_v in_o this_o affair_n to_o interpose_v for_o truth_n thus_o unequal_o treat_v that_o by_o this_o poor_a essay_n it_o may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n vindicat_fw-la and_o a_o check_n give_v to_o the_o pride_n and_o swell_a word_n of_o the_o adversary_n be_v all_o my_o aim_n as_o for_o these_o of_o our_o opposite_n who_o may_v find_v themselves_o more_o near_o touch_v in_o the_o few_o sheet_n subjoin_v if_o they_o think_v i_o therein_o transport_v to_o any_o excess_n i_o do_v assure_v they_o that_o it_o be_v from_o the_o ungrateful_a violence_n of_o their_o provocation_n and_o not_o at_o all_o the_o choice_n of_o my_o own_o inclination_n i_o acknowledge_v also_o that_o there_o be_v other_o paper_n emit_v by_o they_o than_o the_o two_o that_o i_o do_v particular_o review_v and_o annexe_v special_o a_o long_a letter_n suppose_v to_o be_v g._n b_n and_o write_v by_o way_n of_o amplification_n of_o the_o former_a but_o see_v i_o do_v full_o discuss_v his_o text_n &_o after_o trial_n discover_v that_o his_o excellent_a &_o noble_a friend_n gold_n as_o he_o speak_v be_v but_o dross_n i_o hope_v he_o will_v easy_o pardon_v my_o not_o prosecute_n a_o further_o fruitless_a search_n into_o what_o he_o call_v his_o own_o ore_n and_o thus_o i_o dismiss_v my_o reader_n unto_o the_o perusal_n of_o what_o follow_v reader_n before_o thou_o read_v be_v please_v to_o correct_v with_o a_o pen_n these_o errata_fw-la pag._n 18_o lin._n 29._o read_v probability_n p._n 19_o l._n 13._o r._n it_o be_v p._n 21._o l._n 29._o r._n rule_n p._n 23._o l._n 15._o r._n a_o p._n 24._o l._n 13._o r._n preach_v p._n 28._o l._n 27._o r._n ordination_n p._n 29._o l._n 17._o r._n the_o p._n 52._o l._n 2._o what_o r._n with_o p._n 55._o l._n 17._o with_o r._n which_o p._n 68_o l._n 31._o r._n revolution_n p._n 68_o l._n 35._o this_o r._n he_o p._n 72._o l._n 30._o r._n cuss_v p._n 73._o l._n 30._o express_v r._n expel_v p._n 74._o l._n 25._o be_v r._n be_v p._n 79._o l._n 29._o r._n wisdom_n p._n 88_o l._n 6._o preserve_v râ—_n prefer_v p._n 92_o l._n 18._o he_o r._n the._n ibid._n l._n 28._o master_n r._n majesty_n p._n 106._o l._n 23._o your_o r._n their_o p._n 109._o l._n 18._o r._n change_n ibid._n l._n 29._o r._n enjoy_v p._n 114._o l._n 13._o r._n piece_n p._n 115._o l._n 23._o pretend_v r._n perpend_v p._n 118._o l._n 18._o r._n distinct_a the_o case_n of_o the_o accommodation_n late_o propose_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o dumblane_n to_o the_o nonconforming_a minister_n examine_v wherein_o also_o the_o ancient_a prostasia_fw-la or_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la be_v consider_v and_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n occasional_o vindicat_fw-la such_o have_v be_v the_o high_a and_o stiff_a opposition_n and_o no_o less_o contrary_a and_o important_a consequence_n of_o prelacy_n and_o presbytery_n within_o this_o church_n that_o as_o their_o accommodation_n may_v be_v very_o desirable_a to_o all_o our_o temporize_a pursuer_n of_o peace_n so_o certain_o it_o do_v no_o less_o challenge_v the_o sincere_a and_o strict_a search_n of_o all_o the_o follower_n of_o truth_n upon_o which_o consideration_n have_v be_v induce_v to_o a_o more_o particular_a notice_n of_o the_o rise_n procedure_v and_o issue_n of_o this_o affair_n i_o be_o resolve_v for_o the_o impartial_a vindication_n of_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n of_o government_n in_o his_o house_n and_o our_o engadgement_n thereto_o and_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o that_o know_a precept_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o exhibit_v my_o observation_n upon_o it_o with_o the_o calmeness_n and_o candour_n suitable_a to_o such_o
more_o allow_v the_o angel_n represent_v the_o pastor_n than_o the_o star_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n nay_o or_o the_o candlestick_n the_o church_n to_o be_v take_v for_o single_a person_n but_o for_o further_a clear_v of_o all_o these_o and_o like_a objection_n i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o many_o author_n by_o who_o these_o thing_n be_v more_o full_o handle_v these_o ground_n then_o be_v all_o undoubted_o scriptural_a with_o what_o confidence_n can_v it_o be_v demand_v where_o do_v the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o a_o parity_n among_o minister_n or_o how_o can_v it_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o episcopus_fw-la praeses_fw-la contend_v for_o special_o with_o his_o necessary_a presence_n in_o ordination_n as_o we_o will_v afterward_o hear_v be_v not_o contrary_a but_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o as_o our_o presbyterian_a parity_n be_v plain_o warrant_v both_o by_o general_a gospel-rule_n and_o very_o express_a instance_n contain_v in_o scripture_n so_o the_o apparent_a lawfulness_n of_o any_o other_o form_n of_o man_n devise_v can_v be_v no_o justification_n thereof_o but_o it_o be_v object_v if_o this_o ground_n be_v reject_v how_o will_v we_o maintain_v or_o where_o will_v we_o find_v a_o express_a command_n or_o rule_v for_o our_o own_o model_n of_o kirk-session_n presbytery_n syond_n provincial_a and_o national_a with_o a_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o their_o several_a dependency_n and_o subordination_n and_o the_o change_n of_o the_o moderator_n in_o these_o meeting_n except_v that_o only_a of_o the_o kirk-session_n wherein_o the_o minister_n do_v constant_o moderate_a for_o without_o this_o express_a kule_n a_o bishop_n or_o fix_a precedent_n may_v very_o well_o consist_v with_o that_o frame_n which_o we_o contenâ—_n for_o and_o it_o be_v real_o and_o actual_o so_o at_o this_o present_a in_o this_o church_n in_o answer_v this_o objection_n i_o must_v begin_v with_o its_o latter_a part_n which_o be_v so_o direct_o contradict_v by_o the_o present_a constitution_n both_o in_o its_o legal_a establishment_n and_o know_v exercise_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o i_o marvel_v how_o it_o can_v escape_v any_o person_n of_o ordinary_a understanding_n as_o for_o the_o main_a thing_n object_v have_v from_o the_o scripture_n assert_v the_o warrant_n of_o our_o parity_n its_o difficulty_n be_v easy_o satisfy_v for_o see_v that_o by_o divine_a institution_n the_o church_n be_v erect_v into_o one_o society_n and_o officer_n in_o a_o equal_a parity_n for_o its_o oversight_n and_o government_n thereto_o appoint_v and_o see_v that_o in_o every_o concession_n the_o thing_n natural_a and_o proper_a to_o what_o be_v concede_v must_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v therein_o import_v the_o liberty_n and_o power_n of_o common_a counsel_n together_o with_o the_o subordination_n of_o the_o part_n to_o the_o whole_a do_v thence_o necessary_o result_v the_o premise_n of_o which_o argument_n be_v so_o consistent_o compose_v of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n thereon_o dependent_a i_o need_v not_o here_o enlarge_v in_o any_o explication_n sure_o i_o be_o he_o who_o due_o perpend_v these_o uncontrovertible_a scripture-truth_n that_o the_o church_n be_v gather_v into_o one_o body_n that_o the_o apostle_n together_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n together_o be_v incharged_a with_o its_o oversight_n and_o rule_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a unto_o the_o prophet_n and_o that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o lord_n name_v there_o he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v remain_v doubtful_a of_o the_o divine_a warrant_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o meeting_n conform_v to_o which_o truth_n and_o principle_n we_o not_o only_o find_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o church_n govern_v by_o common_a counsel_n but_o the_o same_o meeting_n and_o counsel_n inspire_v and_o direct_v by_o that_o humility_n love_n and_o harmony_n that_o no_o more_o than_o a_o chair_n man_n for_o the_o time_n &_o no_o sixed_a moderator_n can_v therein_o be_v discern_v if_o these_o ground_n be_v not_o both_o solid_o and_o evident_o conclusive_a of_o all_o necessary_a for_o i_o to_o prove_v i_o may_v easy_o without_o either_o worm_a or_o strain_v as_o our_o moderatist_n phrase_v it_o adduce_v and_o make_v out_o from_o scripture_n precedent_n more_o exact_o correspondent_a to_o our_o form_n but_o see_v the_o right_a and_o privilege_n of_o common_a counsel_n for_o government_n in_o order_n both_o to_o the_o whole_a and_o certain_a of_o the_o parte_v be_v by_o scripture-practiâ—e_a obvious_o hold_v forth_o its_o extension_n to_o all_o the_o part_n and_o their_o subordination_n to_o the_o whole_a do_v so_o natural_o and_o necessary_o â—ollow_v thaâ—_n i_o judge_v it_o superfluous_a to_o engage_v myself_o further_o into_o our_o adversary_n scrupulous_a quibling_n now_o as_o for_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n whereof_o scripture_n warrant_n be_v also_o require_v see_v we_o do_v not_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v a_o ordinary_a church-judicatorie_a but_o do_v only_o regard_v it_o as_o a_o delegation_n from_o the_o precede_v national-assemble_o elicit_a by_o extraordinary_a exigence_n and_o precise_o accountable_a to_o the_o next_o ensue_v it_o be_v right_o be_v so_o certain_o parallel_v to_o that_o of_o every_o committee_n appoint_v by_o any_o meeting_n for_o dispatch_n that_o unless_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o this_o power_n of_o commissionate_v be_v by_o scripture_n inhibit_v it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v understand_v to_o be_v found_v in_o the_o same_o warrant_n with_o the_o assembly_n from_o which_o it_o do_v flow_v &_o receive_v its_o confirmation_n i_o contend_v not_o but_o our_o observance_n in_o practice_n may_v have_v have_v its_o own_o fail_n in_o this_o point_n but_o see_v the_o excess_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o any_o be_v do_v probable_o flow_v from_o the_o mistake_n of_o a_o suppoâ—sed_a expediencie_n the_o evidence_n of_o its_o warrant_n and_o right_a use_n by_o such_o and_o error_n in_o fact_n can_v at_o all_o be_v impugn_a but_o the_o minister_n their_o be_v constant_o moderator_n in_o kirk-session_n among_o the_o elder_n join_v with_o they_o for_o discipline_n be_v that_o which_o our_o adversary_n do_v urge_v as_o a_o great_a advantage_n for_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o fix_a moderator_n in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o our_o inconsequence_n in_o deny_v the_o same_o in_o the_o fond_a conceit_n of_o which_o argument_n it_o have_v be_v and_o be_v so_o frequent_o by_o they_o inculcat_fw-la that_o here_o be_v a_o presbyter_n have_v a_o fix_a presidencie_n among_o presbyter_n that_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o may_v â—ustly_o nauseat_v or_o move_v to_o laughter_n any_o indifferent_a observer_n to_o begin_v therefore_o with_o this_o childish_a emphasis_n take_v from_o the_o term_n presbyter_n and_o the_o call_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o parochial-elders_a both_o of_o they_o presbyter_n such_o indeed_o they_o be_v but_o see_v the_o scripture_n do_v warrant_v the_o office_n of_o our_o rule_v elder_a &_o also_o attribute_v several_a other_o name_n to_o minister_n agreeable_a to_o the_o main_a labour_n and_o to_o these_o parochial_a elder_n only_o that_o of_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n and_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o classical_a assembly_n principal_o consist_v of_o minister_n be_v common_o call_v presbytery_n if_o use_n for_o distinction_n have_v appropriate_a to_o these_o parochial-elders_a the_o name_n of_o elder_n rather_o than_o that_o of_o presbyter_n what_o folly_n be_v it_o to_o think_v that_o a_o contrary_a usurpation_n of_o name_n can_v be_v of_o any_o import_n or_o wherefore_o do_v not_o our_o adversary_n if_o they_o have_v such_o a_o complaisance_n for_o these_o conceit_n tell_v we_o further_o what_o a_o qstrange_v thing_n it_o be_v to_o see_v a_o presbytery_n for_o so_o a_o kirck-session_n may_v well_o be_v term_v consist_v only_o of_o one_o minister_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n laik_v as_o they_o speak_v and_o withal_o reflect_v upon_o these_o more_o pungent_a retorsion_n near_a home_n viz._n that_o in_o their_o way_n a_o bishop_n pretend_v to_o a-superiority_n or_o presidencie_n over_o many_o bishop_n and_o a_o single_a presbyter_n must_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n over_o his_o fellow-presbyters_a but_o leave_v these_o foppery_n and_o take_v word_n according_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o custom_n in_o such_o case_n in_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v material_a in_o the_o objection_n i_o say_v 1._o that_o where_o there_o be_v two_o minister_n in_o a_o parish_n they_o moderate_a in_o the_o session_n by_o turn_n 2_o where_o the_o session_n do_v consist_v of_o one_o minister_n both_o a_o prea_n and_o a_o roll_a elder_n and_o the_o other_o elder_n of_o the_o congregation_n who_o be_v but_o his_o helper_n in_o discipline_n his_o different_a quality_n with_o the_o double_a honour_n allow_v to_o he_o by_o the_o
verification_n to_o give_v a_o character_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o its_o course_n make_v up_o of_o such_o reproach_n of_o simplicity_n or_o cheatry_n against_o all_o engage_v in_o it_o perplexity_n and_o vexation_n of_o all_o that_o faithful_o adhere_v to_o it_o and_o insolent_a mock_v at_o the_o overthrow_n of_o god_n work_n and_o desolation_n of_o his_o sanctuary_n that_o malice_n itself_o can_v have_v utter_v nothing_o more_o false_a and_o virulent_a the_o truth_n be_v say_v he_o that_o beside_o many_o other_o evil_n the_o iniquity_n and_o unhappiness_n of_o such_o oath_n and_o covenant_n lie_v much_o in_o this_o that_o be_v common_o form_v by_o person_n that_o even_o among_o themselves_o be_v not_o full_o of_o one_o mind_n but_o have_v their_o different_a opinion_n and_o interest_n to_o serve_v and_o it_o be_v so_o even_o in_o this_o they_o be_v common_o patch_v up_o of_o so_o many_o several_a article_n and_o clause_n and_o these_o of_o so_o versatile_a and_o ambiguous_a term_n that_o they_o prove_v most_o wretched_a snare_n and_o thicket_n of_o brier_n and_o thorn_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o these_o that_o be_v engage_v in_o they_o and_o matter_n of_o endless_a contention_n about_o their_o true_a sâ—nse_n etc._n etc._n especial_o in_o some_o such_o alteration_n as_o always_o may_v and_o often_o do_v even_o within_o a_o few_o year_n follow_v after_o they_o for_o the_o model_n and_o production_n of_o such_o device_n be_v not_o usual_o long-lived_a thus_o he_o and_o for_o justify_v the_o censure_n which_o serious_o i_o have_v without_o prejudice_n premise_v i_o first_o inquire_v why_o be_v there_o here_o such_o a_o insinuation_n prefaced_a of_o many_o other_o evil_n whereof_o there_o be_v not_o one_o enumerat_a must_v we_o believe_v the_o covenant_n to_o ebb_n worse_o than_o can_v be_v express_v because_o the_o accuser_n can_v prove_v nothing_o and_o why_o be_v this_o accusation_n pretend_v to_o be_v in_o general_a of_o all_o such_o covenant_n when_o yet_o it_o be_v express_o intend_v against_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n be_v it_o because_o the_o author_n will_v have_v we_o to_o reckon_v it_o among_o the_o worst_a of_o combination_n or_o because_o he_o have_v the_o same_o regard_n and_o faith_n for_o all_o covenant_n or_o at_o least_o tâ—at_a by_o such_o a_o general_n he_o may_v the_o better_o cover_v the_o pointednesse_n of_o his_o calumny_n only_o level_v at_o this_o but_o take_v all_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o our_o covenant_n it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v frame_v by_o person_n among_o themselves_o not_o full_o of_o one_o mind_n but_o serve_v their_o different_a opinion_n and_o interest_n but_o 1._o whatever_o may_v have_v be_v the_o unsincerity_n and_o bias_n of_o a_o few_o person_n as_o there_o be_v nothing_o perfect_a yet_o that_o the_o body_n of_o both_o the_o parliament_n assembly_n and_o people_n of_o these_o nation_n be_v act_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o league_n with_o such_o unanimity_n straightness_n and_o zeal_n for_o religion_n and_o liberty_n as_o can_v not_o ready_o be_v instance_a in_o any_o age_n or_o nation_n and_o can_v only_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a presence_n and_o assistance_n be_v unto_o this_o day_n no_o less_o the_o comfort_n of_o its_o faithful_a adherer_n than_o the_o confusion_n of_o all_o its_o adversary_n 2._o as_o the_o matter_n it_o self_n be_v thus_o carry_v so_o i_o can_v appeal_v to_o the_o remembrance_n of_o thousand_o that_o the_o take_n &_o renew_v of_o our_o covenant_n both_o in_o this_o &_o our_o neighbour_n land_n be_v attend_v with_o more_o sincere_a mourning_n serious_a repentance_n and_o solid_a conversion_n than_o almost_o â—ath_v be_v in_o any_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n since_o the_o daâ—es_n of_o the_o apostle_n 3._o admit_v that_o the_o person_n and_o motive_n influence_v this_o covenant_n have_v be_v such_o as_o be_v represent_v yet_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o such_o be_v the_o truth_n righteousness_n plainness_n and_o consistencie_n of_o all_o its_o article_n that_o consider_v their_o brevity_n the_o mighty_a party_n engage_v and_o how_o circumstantiat_fw-la with_o their_o universal_a and_o most_o important_a concern_v that_o which_o be_v offer_v to_o make_v its_o reproach_n be_v the_o most_o visible_a argument_n of_o the_o lord_n overrule_a providence_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o covenant_n glory_n but_o it_o be_v further_o allege_v that_o it_o be_v patch_v up_o of_o so_o many_o several_a article_n and_o clause_n and_o these_o too_o of_o so_o versatile_a and_o ambiguous_a term_n that_o it_o prove_v a_o most_o wretched_a snare_n certain_o in_o fair_a yea_o in_o charitable_a deal_v if_o the_o author_n have_v intend_v either_o the_o information_n of_o the_o ignorant_a or_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o obstinate_a or_o have_v but_o tender_v his_o own_o repute_n so_o broad_a and_o foul_a a_o challenge_n shall_v at_o least_o have_v be_v qualify_v by_o a_o condescendence_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o i_o to_o oppose_v one_o general_a to_o another_o nor_o do_v i_o fear_v any_o loss_n from_o the_o inequality_n of_o our_o credit_n but_o i_o be_o so_o persuade_v both_o from_o conscience_n reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o all_o impartial_a man_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o this_o calumny_n that_o i_o be_o angry_a that_o by_o this_o disappointment_n he_o shall_v robe_n i_o and_o our_o cause_n of_o so_o probable_a a_o advantage_n i_o shall_v not_o resume_v the_o quibling_n of_o the_o oxfoord_v doctor_n and_o other_o i_o free_o refer_v my_o reader_n both_o to_o their_o write_n and_o the_o answer_v they_o have_v receive_v yea_o to_o the_o covenant_n itself_o for_o the_o best_a solution_n if_o i_o may_v here_o guess_v at_o the_o author_n meaning_n by_o such_o circumstance_n as_o occur_v the_o versatile_a ambiguity_n he_o will_v objecte_v be_v most_o in_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o reformation_n in_o order_n to_o england_n for_o as_o to_o the_o variety_n and_o generality_n of_o the_o many_o article_n and_o clause_n that_o he_o mention_n within_o a_o little_a we_o shall_v find_v he_o more_o particular_a and_o as_o to_o this_o uncertainty_n i_o have_v so_o full_o evince_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o league_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o extirpation_n covenant_v wherein_o both_o party_n do_v clear_o agree_v and_o the_o warrantablenesse_n of_o tâ—e_v general_a clause_n of_o reformation_n be_v refer_v to_o such_o a_o certain_a rule_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o conformable_a example_n that_o i_o be_o confident_a whatever_o may_v be_v man_n fraud_n or_o fail_v in_o the_o prosecution_n yet_o the_o covenant_n in_o this_o part_n can_v be_v accuse_v either_o of_o uncertainty_n or_o ambiguity_n without_o wound_v through_o its_o side_n the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n with_o the_o same_o dart_n in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o variety_n and_o ambiguity_n the_o covenant_n become_v a_o most_o wretched_a snare_n a_o thicket_n oâ—_n brier_n and_o thorn_n to_o conscience_n and_o a_o matter_n of_o endless_a contention_n etc._n etc._n good_a sir_n why_o so_o severe_a sure_o whatever_o ground_n of_o complaint_n other_o may_v have_v in_o this_o regard_v you_o who_o have_v find_v a_o way_n through_o these_o brier_n and_o thorn_n and_o be_v come_v out_o of_o this_o thicket_n with_o your_o coat_n rough_a than_o at_o your_o entry_n have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o no_o doubt_n have_v all_o engage_v in_o this_o covenant_n be_v of_o a_o conscience_n such_o as_o you_o it_o have_v be_v easy_a for_o they_o by_o its_o serpentine_a subtlety_n and_o irreligious_a indifferency_n to_o have_v extricat_fw-la themselves_o from_o great_a difficulty_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o author_n have_v wicked_o break_v the_o covenant_n and_o to_o disguise_v it_o he_o will_v have_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o all_o who_o remain_v faithful_a be_v catch_v in_o the_o brier_n and_o detain_v against_o their_o will_n i_o shall_v not_o ask_v what_o these_o snaresâ—_n thicket_n and_o contention_n be_v whereof_o he_o accuse_v this_o engagement_n it_o be_v below_o his_o dignity_n to_o be_v so_o put_v to_o it_o we_o know_v that_o many_n part_v open_o part_n more_o covert_o have_v deal_v very_o treacherous_o in_o this_o matter_n &_o if_o thereafter_o to_o palliate_v their_o perjury_n they_o have_v move_v debate_n anent_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n therewith_o to_o be_v charge_v one_o thing_n only_o i_o must_v say_v that_o as_o many_o of_o these_o disput_n have_v take_v their_o various_a pretension_n not_o from_o the_o covenant_n itself_o but_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o which_o it_o refer_v and_o which_o i_o wish_v the_o author_n do_v not_o account_v liable_a to_o the_o same_o exception_n so_o of_o all_o the_o objection_n move_v by_o such_o who_o in_o the_o succeed_a alteration_n of_o providence_n have_v thereby_o endeavour_v to_o excuse_v their_o
part_n be_v certain_o as_o little_a worth_n all_o the_o stir_n and_o vexation_n make_v about_o he_o as_o the_o bishop_n their_o insignificant_a dignity_n and_o ceremony_n be_v a_o cause_n inferior_a to_o the_o late_a war_n which_o they_o do_v most_o occasion_n and_o it_o be_v a_o folly_n insufferable_a for_o wise_a menâ—_n so_o desirous_a of_o ease_n to_o set_v so_o little_a value_n upon_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o peace_n of_o both_o church_n and_o state_n disturb_v by_o the_o present_a episcopacy_n and_o this_o presidencie_n offer_v but_o see_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o thing_n design_v by_o this_o proposal_n be_v a_o compliance_n with_o the_o present_a establishment_n not_o only_o to_o the_o relax_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o former_a engagement_n but_o to_o the_o suppression_n and_o extirpation_n of_o the_o true_a government_n of_o god_n house_n the_o acknowledge_v of_o and_o submit_v unto_o the_o supremacy_n more_o absurd_o contrary_a to_o the_o power_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o its_o instrument_n prelacy_n which_o we_o have_v express_o and_o particular_o abjure_v can_v the_o author_n reasonable_o find_v fault_n if_o he_o rencontre_v in_o we_o a_o opposition_n commensurat_fw-la both_o to_o the_o value_n of_o the_o prize_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o own_o instance_n if_o man_n for_o poor_a perish_a interest_n do_v endeavour_n at_o so_o high_a a_o rate_n to_o introduce_v their_o mode_n and_o invention_n for_o no_o other_o end_n imaginableâ—_n then_o that_o by_o the_o contrivance_n and_o influence_n thereof_o they_o may_v have_v the_o gospel_n ministry_n and_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n still_o in_o subjection_n unto_o their_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n shall_v not_o the_o lover_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o of_o their_o own_o salvation_n the_o proper_a and_o great_a end_n of_o all_o christ_n institution_n more_o vigorous_o resist_v all_o these_o their_o intend_a corruption_n i_o maâ—_n not_o here_o stand_v to_o discuss_v the_o specious_a and_o flatter_a pretension_n hold_v out_o by_o our_o adversary_n as_o if_o mere_a subtlety_n be_v by_o we_o oppose_v to_o the_o solid_a good_a of_o the_o church_n peace_n certain_o he_o who_o remember_v how_o in_o the_o ancient_a time_n of_o the_o church_n satan_n be_v very_o cunning_a to_o set_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n on_o foot_n from_o the_o small_a and_o least_o suspicious_a beginning_n &_o yet_o thence_o by_o more_o subtle_a and_o metaphysical_a method_n than_o these_o which_o our_o author_n undervalue_v to_o carry_v it_o on_o to_o the_o very_a revelation_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o withal_o consider_v in_o our_o own_o late_a experience_n the_o mien_n entry_n as_o kirk-commissioner_n and_o constant_a moderator_n with_o the_o sudden_a elevation_n and_o corruption_n of_o king_n james_n his_o prelate_n unless_o he_o do_v very_o supine_o misregard_n the_o intimation_n of_o all_o present_a circumstance_n special_o that_o of_o a_o al-swaying_a supremacy_n already_o regnant_a can_v neither_o be_v ignorant_a of_o nor_o catch_v by_o such_o device_n but_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o great_a value_n thus_o they_o who_o have_v trouble_v and_o overturn_v the_o righteous_a peace_n of_o a_o well_o settle_a church_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o make_v their_o possession_n attain_v by_o wrong_n and_o violence_n a_o plea_n for_o their_o security_n in_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o after_o that_o by_o break_v their_o oath_n and_o covenant_n &_o ranverse_v the_o lord_n work_v and_o ministry_n they_o have_v get_v what_o theâ—_n desire_v and_o use_v force_n and_o compulsion_n against_o conscientious_a nonconformist_n until_o they_o be_v weary_v now_o they_o come_v forth_o to_o practice_v by_o flattery_n a_o few_o siren_n with_o charm_n of_o peace_n cant_v in_o nazianzen_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o try_v if_o these_o entice_n may_v be_v more_o successful_a and_o by_o a_o strange_o comprehensive_a spirituality_n both_o of_o truth_n and_o error_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o one_o say_v he_o be_v for_o bishop_n another_o i_o be_o for_o presbytery_n that_o we_o be_v carnal_a as_o if_o the_o apostle_n censure_v of_o a_o divisive_a respect_n of_o person_n be_v equal_o against_o the_o discrimination_n of_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v certain_o distinguish_v but_o as_o in_o the_o competition_n of_o peace_n the_o heathen_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v have_v admonish_v the_o author_n and_o see_v that_o that_o peace_n be_v only_o precious_a which_o be_v found_v in_o &_o design_v for_o truth_n so_o when_o it_o be_v mere_o pretend_v for_o procure_v a_o sinful_a compliance_n with_o a_o evil_a course_n it_o be_v but_o a_o empty_a delusion_n we_o know_v who_o practice_n it_o be_v to_o heal_v the_o hurt_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n slight_o say_v peace_n peace_n when_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o pretend_v for_o nay_o to_o pursue_v serious_o after_o peace_n without_o regard_n to_o truth_n righteousness_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n be_v only_o a_o precipitant_a error_n and_o lie_a vision_n but_o he_o who_o stand_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o cause_v his_o people_n to_o hear_v his_o word_n shall_v turn_v they_o from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o from_o the_o evil_n of_o their_o do_n and_o when_o the_o loud_a and_o harsh_a noise_n of_o our_o debate_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o the_o sweetersound_a of_o unite_a mourning_n and_o lament_v after_o the_o lord_n then_o and_o not_o before_o may_v we_o look_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v return_v and_o cause_v his_o face_n to_o shine_v on_o we_o and_o restore_v unto_o we_o his_o favour_n the_o fountain_n and_o blessing_n of_o all_o other_o blessing_n this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o show_v ourselves_o real_a supplicant_n for_o peace_n &_o indeed_o to_o remove_v all_o the_o obstruction_n that_o may_v disappoint_v its_o firm_a enjoyment_n nay_o this_o be_v the_o mean_a whereby_o the_o sincere_a seeker_n of_o the_o â—ord_n do_v even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o tribulation_n attain_v to_o that_o superexcel_a peace_n of_o god_n which_o sure_o establish_v and_o that_o joy_n which_o no_o man_n take_v from_o they_o but_o the_o author_n still_o long_v for_o and_o hasten_v to_o outward_a peace_n not_o that_o which_o the_o lord_n leave_v and_o give_v to_o his_o follower_n exhort_v unto_o a_o temper_n receptive_v of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v great_a meekness_n and_o charity_n and_o no_o doubt_n in_o their_o right_a application_n these_o be_v most_o beautiful_a grace_n but_o as_o they_o seem_v here_o to_o be_v propose_v for_o the_o preposterous_a court_v of_o this_o world_n peace_n i_o fear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o unreasonable_o recommend_v in_o exclusion_n of_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n and_o zeal_n of_o god_n incompatible_a with_o the_o author_n evil_a course_n but_o with_o a_o extension_n of_o charity_n to_o rejoice_v in_o iniquity_n and_o meekness_n towards_o wickedness_n beyond_o their_o know_a and_o just_a measure_n it_o be_v true_a whatsoever_o party_n or_o opinion_n we_o follow_v in_o this_o matter_n the_o baâ—ge_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v â—ollowers_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v â—his_fw-la that_o we_o love_v on_o another_o yet_o â—_o must_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o say_v first_o that_o in_o this_o point_n to_o confound_v person_n and_o thing_n on_o purpose_n to_o transfer_v that_o love_n and_o charity_n we_o owe_v the_o former_a to_o tâ—e_v latter_a though_o never_o so_o detestable_a be_v but_o a_o silly_a sophism_n he_o who_o right_o estimate_v christian_n love_n will_v ready_o acknowledge_v that_o oftentimes_o the_o wound_n of_o a_o friend_n may_v be_v faithful_a when_o his_o kiss_n will_v prove_v deceitful_a next_o that_o though_o the_o author_n will_v alleviat_v our_o present_a difference_n as_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o opinion_n and_o humour_n yet_o i_o do_v real_o conceive_v some_o of_o they_o to_o be_v o_o that_o import_v as_o to_o judge_v a_o perverse_a and_o state_v enemy_n assert_v tâ—e_v supremacy_n to_o the_o manifest_a denial_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o government_n in_o his_o house_n not_o to_o merit_v the_o privilege_v of_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n nay_o that_o in_o order_n to_o such_o david_n profession_n do_v not_o i_o hate_v they_o o_o lord_n that_o hate_v thou_o and_o be_o not_o i_o grieve_v o_o lord_n with_o they_o that_o rise_v up_o against_o thou_o i_o hate_v they_o with_o perfect_a hatred_n i_o count_v they_o my_o enemy_n may_v rather_o become_v our_o duty_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o although_o this_o law_n of_o love_n be_v indeed_o of_o divine_a right_n &_o therefore_o will_v not_o be_v break_v by_o bitter_a passion_n and_o revile_n &_o root_v haâ—reds_n foâ—_n thing_n in_o dispute_n betwixt_o we_o yet_o sure_o i_o be_o it_o do_v as_o certain_o admit_v of_o the_o forego_n exception_n as_o the_o
abjure_v how_o can_v we_o in_o conscience_n again_o admit_v of_o it_o 2._o not_o to_o examine_v subtle_o and_o strict_o the_o import_n of_o the_o word_n power_n see_v its_o fixedness_n and_o its_o concomitant_a dignity_n that_o in_o a_o great_a part_n do_v advance_v this_o moderatorship_n which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v only_o a_o office_n unto_o a_o superority_n and_o thereto_o add_v a_o influence_n of_o power_n be_v rather_o a_o beg_n of_o the_o question_n and_o therefore_o though_o in_o civil_n this_o fixedness_n with_o its_o many_o other_o prerogative_n and_o power_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n and_o expediency_n of_o humane_a affair_n very_o lawful_a and_o allowable_a yet_o in_o ecclesiastic_n the_o very_a same_o reason_n of_o the_o different_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n with_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o gospel-ministry_n and_o the_o contradistinction_n which_o our_o lord_n himself_o have_v found_v betwixt_o it_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o civil_a government_n do_v clear_o render_v this_o fix_a presidency_n a_o undue_a gravamen_n imp_v upon_o the_o brotherly_a parity_n and_o just_a liberty_n of_o his_o minister_n and_o certain_o if_o the_o necessary_a privilege_n of_o the_o naked_a office_n viz._n that_o of_o propose_v direct_v the_o consultationâ—_n state_v the_o question_n ask_v of_o opinion_n and_o vote_n and_o the_o cast_a vote_n in_o case_n of_o equality_n be_v of_o such_o noment_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o affaâ—res_n that_o all_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o unfixedness_n and_o accountablenesse_n of_o the_o chairman_n be_v scarce_o sufficient_a to_o secure_v they_o from_o abuse_n to_o enforce_v they_o by_o a_o fixation_n contrary_a to_o the_o lord_n appointment_n of_o a_o ministerial_a parity_n be_v not_o more_o unwarrantable_a than_o inconvenient_a but_o 3._o as_o these_o reason_n do_v militat_fw-la against_o the_o controvert_v presidency_n in_o its_o great_a simplicity_n so_o the_o presidency_n now_o offer_v unto_o we_o for_o all_o the_o abatement_n pretend_v be_v still_o that_o of_o a_o bishop_n absolute_o at_o this_o majesty_n nomination_n not_o accountable_a to_o these_o over_o who_o he_o preside_v vest_v with_o great_a temporalitiesâ—_n and_o lastly_a whole_o dependent_a upon_o the_o beck_n of_o the_o supremacy_n be_v without_o all_o question_n a_o thing_n most_o anti-scriptural_a unreasonable_a &_o disconform_v to_o all_o pure_a antiquity_n now_o that_o thus_o it_o isâ—_n both_o as_o to_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n offeredâ—_n &_o the_o censure_n i_o have_v pass_v upon_o it_o i_o here_o open_o challenge_v the_o author_n and_o all_o his_o partaker_n if_o they_o dare_v adventure_v to_o contradict_v i_o what_o other_o construction_n can_v therefore_o be_v make_v of_o the_o allege_a condescendence_n then_o that_o in_o such_o a_o mixture_n they_o be_v only_o empty_a foolish_a pretension_n and_o what_o other_o judgement_n can_v be_v give_v upon_o the_o author_n offer_v to_o abate_v of_o his_o reasonable_a power_n warrant_v by_o primitive_a example_n then_o that_o the_o obligation_n of_o reason_n and_o pure_a antiquity_n be_v no_o less_o false_a than_o the_o offer_v make_v be_v simulat_fw-la and_o elusory_a but_o see_v the_o author_n for_o all_o the_o warrant_n pretendedâ—_n do_v at_o least_o acknowledge_v himself_o not_o to_o be_v thereby_o astrict_v but_o that_o he_o can_v come_v &_o go_v in_o their_o matter_n at_o his_o pleasure_n if_o he_o do_v indeed_o sincere_o hate_v schism_n as_o he_o profess_v let_v hâ—m_n also_o confess_v the_o violence_n do_v both_o to_o our_o conscience_n and_o person_n in_o such_o free_a &_o arbitrary_a thing_n nay_o in_o his_o dialect_n trifle_n and_o repent_v of_o his_o late_a inconsiderate_a accession_n pass_o therefore_o his_o delude_a belief_n of_o the_o bishop_n their_o not_o be_v desirous_a to_o usurp_v any_o undue_a power_n but_o rather_o to_o abate_v contrary_a to_o their_o continual_a practice_n &_o the_o church_n experience_n now_o for_o the_o space_n of_o 1200_o year_n &_o upward_o and_o evident_o repugnant_a to_o the_o manifest_a conviction_n of_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o case_n i_o go_v on_o to_o his_o next_o supposition_n viz._n that_o though_o bishop_n do_v stretch_v their_o power_n some_o what_o beyond_o their_o line_n yet_o let_v all_o the_o world_n judge_n whether_o minister_n be_v for_o that_o engage_v to_o leave_v their_o station_n and_o withdraw_v from_o these_o meeting_n for_o discipline_n which_o themselves_o approve_v and_o to_o this_o the_o answer_n be_v obvious_a that_o neither_o the_o sinful_a thrust_v in_o of_o bishop_n nor_o yet_o their_o excessive_a stretchinâ—s_n be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o our_o leave_v and_o withdraw_v when_o in_o former_a time_n k._n james_n introduce_v prelate_n into_o this_o church_n and_o they_o from_o time_n to_o time_n extend_v their_o usurpation_n many_o of_o the_o â—ords_n faithful_a servant_n in_o these_o day_n do_v neither_o desert_n nor_o withdraw_v but_o continue_v with_o much_o steadfastness_n do_v constant_o resist_v and_o testify_v against_o all_o the_o corruption_n then_o invade_v the_o true_a church-government_n whereof_o they_o be_v possess_v but_o as_o the_o author_n do_v here_o fallacious_o join_v our_o leave_v of_o our_o station_n which_o be_v false_a we_o have_v be_v thence_o violent_o expel_v and_o our_o withdraw_n from_o their_o meeting_n groundless_o allege_v to_o be_v by_o we_o approven_v which_o we_o hold_v to_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n so_o whoever_o consider_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o late_a overturning_a by_o summary_n eject_v of_o many_o of_o we_o dissolve_v all_o our_o church_n assembly_n establish_v a_o new_a government_n not_o in_o but_o over_o the_o church_n by_o the_o king_n and_o his_o prelate_n wherein_o we_o never_o have_v any_o place_n will_v easy_o be_v convincedâ—_n that_o we_o be_v not_o more_o calumnious_o accuse_v by_o these_o who_o will_v have_v their_o own_o crime_n to_o be_v our_o sin_n of_o leave_v our_o station_n then_o clear_o justifiable_a for_o withdraw_v from_o these_o their_o court_n which_o be_v whole_o dependent_a on_o the_o supremacy_n and_o very_o corrupt_a assembly_n which_o we_o never_o approve_v but_o have_v express_o abjure_v it_o be_v not_o therefore_o as_o g._n b._n apprehend_v it_o only_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o bishop_n undue_a assume_v of_o the_o presidency_n in_o these_o meeting_n nor_o yet_o because_o we_o be_v by_o they_o restrain_v in_o and_o debar_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o power_n in_o ordination_n and_o excommunication_n although_o these_o be_v very_o material_a grievance_n that_o we_o do_v abstain_v from_o their_o court_n no_o but_o the_o plain_a truth_n be_v that_o over_z and_o above_o the_o forego_n cause_n we_o hold_v the_o very_a constitution_n to_o be_v so_o much_o alter_v from_o that_o of_o a_o true_a eccleasiastick_a judicatory_a call_v in_o our_o lord_n name_v and_o act_v by_o his_o authority_n unto_o meeting_n appoint_v mere_o by_o the_o king_n and_o recognosce_v his_o supremacy_n that_o we_o judge_v our_o not_o conveen_v therein_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o term_v a_o privative_a withdraw_n but_o that_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n a_o negative_a disow_n of_o they_o as_o of_o assembly_n wherein_o we_o never_o have_v either_o part_n or_o place_n which_o be_v a_o ground_n by_o himself_o acknowledge_v as_o i_o â—ave_n above_o observe_v the_o doctor_n be_v argument_n that_o the_o ministry_n be_v a_o complexe_n power_n and_o that_o as_o some_o of_o we_o have_v accept_v a_o liberty_n to_o preach_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n and_o exercise_v discipline_n congregational_o without_o liberty_n to_o meet_v in_o presbytery_n and_o ordain_v so_o they_o may_v come_v to_o presbytery_n notwithstanding_o they_o shall_v be_v exclude_v fâ—om_o the_o full_a excercise_n of_o all_o their_o power_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o nonexistence_n of_o the_o subject_n viz._n true_a presbytery_n utter_o cut_v off_o beside_o that_o it_o also_o labour_n of_o a_o manifest_a inconsequence_n in_o asmuch_o as_o a_o minister_n do_v in_o the_o first_o case_n all_o that_o he_o be_v permit_v and_o only_o forbear_v where_o a_o vis_fw-fr major_a do_v impede_fw-la be_v no_o just_a ground_n to_o infer_v that_o therefore_o in_o the_o second_o case_n he_o may_v come_v to_o a_o meeting_n and_o there_o by_o surcease_n the_o exercise_n of_o his_o function_n and_o make_v himself_o a_o câ—pher_n for_o strengthen_v &_o increase_n of_o the_o bishop_n usurpation_n in_o effect_n tacit_o surrender_v the_o power_n that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v which_o tacit_a surrender_v i_o do_v real_o judge_v to_o be_v more_o strong_o imply_v aâ—d_v of_o a_o more_o sinistruous_a consequence_n then_o can_v be_v purge_v by_o a_o naked_a protestation_n especial_o the_o same_o be_v precontrive_v &_o capitulat_fw-la whereby_o without_o doubt_n the_o significancy_n of_o this_o remedy_n most_o commend_v by_o the_o necessity_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o surprisal_n of_o the_o
by_o proclamation_n cast_v out_o both_o of_o our_o place_n pulpit_n and_o parish_n and_o that_o our_o former_a church-assembly_n be_v all_o at_o once_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n suppress_v we_o never_o have_v any_o station_n in_o these_o present_a meeting_n pretend_v to_o the_o succession_n this_o pitiful_a quibble_v as_o if_o we_o have_v extirpate_v ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v in_o effect_n expulse_v iâ—_n but_o a_o poor_a and_o weak_a mint_n at_o witâ—_n altogether_o insufficient_a to_o colour_v its_o obvious_a impertinency_n as_o to_o what_o do_v here_o ensue_v for_o prove_v that_o the_o preâ—ent_a episcopal-government_n be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o by_o the_o covenant_n we_o abjure_v and_o concern_v the_o acceptation_n that_o it_o will_v find_v in_o england_n i_o be_o sure_a i_o have_v consider_v it_o at_o that_o length_n and_o discuss_v it_o upon_o such_o evident_a and_o certain_a ground_n as_o neither_o the_o author_n reason_n nor_o his_o prejudice_n his_o impartiality_n nor_o partiality_n with_o all_o the_o patience_n he_o wish_v we_o and_o impatience_n which_o he_o himself_o often_o show_v will_v be_v able_a satisfy_o to_o removeâ—_n whether_o then_o the_o thing_n mention_v in_o this_o place_n by_o the_o author_n be_v indeed_o truth_n as_o he_o allege_v or_o gross_a error_n and_o mistake_n as_o i_o have_v evince_v and_o his_o discern_v in_o themâ—_n though_o the_o best_a he_o have_v sound_a or_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o palpable_a delusion_n i_o willing_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n ingenuity_n he_o say_v if_o they_o be_v truthsâ—_n â—_z he_o be_v sure_a they_o be_v pertinent_a truth_n towards_o the_o heal_n of_o our_o sad_a division_n â—ut_v when_o he_o shall_v make_v as_o much_o serious_a search_n after_o the_o cause_n as_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o effect_n than_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o shall_v acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v not_o only_a untruth_n but_o most_o impertinent_a however_o if_o any_o list_n to_o be_v contention_n he_o wish_v he_o can_v say_v of_o this_o churchy_n we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n and_o this_o wish_v i_o confess_v be_v very_o consequent_a to_o both_o the_o author_n opinion_n and_o design_n for_o as_o we_o have_v hear_v he_o undervalue_v the_o ordinance_n and_o oath_n of_o god_n though_o most_o convince_o seal_v among_o we_o by_o the_o lord_n power_n and_o presence_n unto_o mode_n and_o trifle_n to_o the_o effect_n he_o may_v gain_v to_o a_o compliance_n where_o he_o can_v not_o prevail_v by_o his_o simulat_fw-la condescendency_n so_o at_o present_a suppose_v they_o to_o be_v as_o little_a material_a as_o the_o length_n or_o shortness_n of_o the_o excrementitious_a hair_n he_o endeavour_v to_o enervat_fw-la all_o the_o just_a opposition_n of_o the_o faithful_a with_o the_o reproach_n of_o strange_a contention_n but_o see_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o contend_v for_o do_v real_o merit_v that_o immovable_a steadfastness_n and_o constant_a perseverance_n so_o much_o commend_v by_o our_o lord_n command_v and_o the_o example_n of_o all_o his_o follower_n we_o hope_v the_o custom_n of_o perfidious_a time-serving_a which_o the_o prelate_n have_v so_o much_o practise_v in_o this_o distract_a church_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o counterbalance_v it_o and_o therefore_o as_o these_o man_n have_v by_o their_o vain_a carnal_a and_o violent_a contention_n at_o best_a for_o their_o formality_n butâ—_n in_o effect_n for_o fulfil_v their_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n not_o only_o dis-edifiedâ—_a but_o destroy_v and_o subvert_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o this_o land_n and_o disobey_v and_o disgrace_v the_o prince_n of_o peace_n who_o they_o pretend_v to_o follow_v so_o let_v we_o as_o the_o fearer_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o true_a lover_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n who_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o also_o our_o peace_n consider_v his_o example_n so_o much_o the_o more_o endure_v contradiction_n despise_v shame_n and_o reproach_n fight_n â—he_v good_a fight_n keep_v the_o faith_n and_o hold_v fast_o our_o integrity_n that_o we_o may_v attain_v unto_o that_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v at_o that_o day_n unto_o all_o that_o love_v his_o appear_v and_o now_o remain_v the_o author_n one_o word_n which_o he_o be_v sure_o be_v undeniable_a and_o he_o think_v very_o considerable_a and_o it_o be_v that_o he_o that_o can_v join_v with_o the_o present_a frame_n of_o this_o church_n and_o if_o you_o please_v to_o bring_v the_o matter_n near_o with_o the_o term_n of_o the_o present_a accommodation_n can_v not_o have_v live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o most_o famous_a general_a assembly_n of_o it_o the_o conncil_n of_o nice_a yea_o to_o go_v no_o high_o though_o safe_o i_o may_v say_v he_o he_o must_v as_o certain_o have_v separate_v from_o the_o whole_a catholic_a church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o holy_a bishop_n and_o martyr_n cyprian_n upon_o this_o very_a scruple_n of_o the_o government_n as_o novatus_n do_v upon_o another_o occasion_n whence_o the_o author_n do_v draw_v his_o assurance_n and_o whereon_o it_o be_v that_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o bestow_v our_o consideration_n i_o wish_v he_o have_v be_v more_o explicit_a that_o in_o the_o time_n to_o which_o he_o refer_v there_o be_v a_o episcopacy_n well_o advance_v in_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o a_o corruption_n contract_v in_o its_o government_n and_o yet_o by_o all_o quiet_o comport_v with_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v and_o to_o this_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v repliedâ—_n that_o there_o be_v a_o huge_a disparity_n betwixt_o a_o corruption_n contract_v in_o lawful_a government_n still_o hold_v the_o head_n and_o substance_n by_o our_o lord_n authority_n give_v to_o his_o church_n the_o worst_a that_o can_v be_v suppose_v of_o these_o primitive_a time_n and_o a_o government_n fundamental_o corrupt_a derive_v all_o its_o power_n from_o he_o to_o who_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v and_o found_v in_o a_o antichristian_a supremacy_n the_o certain_a character_n of_o the_o present_a constitution_n i_o be_o confident_a the_o author_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v any_o satisfy_a reâ—urn_n but_o the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v that_o in_o these_o ancient_a time_n this_o prostasia_fw-la have_v creep_v in_o and_o from_o small_a begining_n and_o under_o very_o specious_a pretence_n grow_v up_o insensible_o in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o mystery_n therein_o secret_o work_v not_o have_v open_o disclose_v itself_o it_o be_v little_a wonder_n that_o though_o by_o the_o more_o discern_v the_o evil_n may_v be_v fear_v yet_o never_o the_o less_o no_o remedy_n offer_v it_o be_v not_o direct_o oppose_v whereas_o in_o our_o day_n this_o latent_fw-la corruption_n with_o its_o most_o pernicious_a tendency_n and_o bitterfruit_n be_v full_o discover_v and_o thereupon_o by_o we_o solemn_o eject_v and_o abjure_v and_o now_o onâ—â—_n re-obtruded_n under_o the_o guild_v of_o some_o apparent_a condescendency_n the_o better_a to_o suppress_v the_o true_a government_n of_o god_n house_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o preserve_v and_o for_o establish_v the_o supremacy_n the_o very_a consummation_n of_o this_o iniquity_n certain_o these_o thing_n do_v import_v a_o most_o manifest_a difference_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o stand_v to_o clear_v how_o that_o a_o oath_n though_o take_v upon_o a_o matter_n antecedent_o bind_v do_v nevertheless_o in_o such_o manner_n superinduce_v a_o â—urther_a obligation_n as_o do_v not_o only_o more_o strict_o bind_v to_o vigilance_n and_o circumspection_n but_o also_o to_o a_o measure_n of_o zeal_n against_o defection_n beyond_o the_o opposition_n to_o that_o same_o material_a transgression_n former_o require_v nor_o need_v i_o to_o put_v any_o in_o mind_n how_o that_o the_o sacrifice_a to_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o high_a place_n permit_v without_o reproof_n to_o samuel_n david_n and_o solomon_n before_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n do_v afterward_o make_v a_o exception_n from_o the_o integrity_n of_o succeed_a prince_n certain_o to_o judge_v that_o the_o continuance_n of_o a_o evil_a and_o a_o relapse_n into_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o that_o at_o this_o time_n we_o may_v have_v the_o same_o compliance_n with_o this_o episcopal_a presidency_n which_o once_o it_o find_v in_o the_o church_n under_o quite_o different_a circumstance_n be_v gross_o to_o confound_v time_n despise_v warning_n trample_v upon_o deliverance_n and_o violate_v the_o oath_n of_o god_n nay_o further_o to_o contradict_v even_o the_o principle_n of_o these_o time_n mention_v and_o that_o to_o that_o height_n that_o i_o be_o assure_v be_v the_o same_o ancient_a christian_n boast_v of_o on_z liâ—e_z to_o see_v the_o sad_a effect_n that_o have_v ensue_v upon_o their_o well-meaning_a practice_n and_o the_o patrociny_n which_o be_v thence_o take_v for_o the_o
contrivance_n we_o have_v hear_v in_o the_o second_o article_n that_o he_o be_v willing_a that_o chnrch-matter_n be_v manage_v in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n by_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o plurality_n a_o fair_a insinuation_n that_o the_o matter_n of_o ordination_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n transact_v and_o in_o this_o article_n he_o leave_v the_o trial_n to_o the_o presbytery_n consent_v that_o if_o possible_a the_o ordination_n be_v at_o the_o parish_n church_n where_o one_o shall_v be_v appoint_v to_o preach_v and_o last_o be_v content_a difference_n fall_v in_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o superior_a court_n all_o fair_a general_n but_o wherefore_o no_o mention_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o actual_a ordainer_n whether_o the_o bishop_n and_o whole_a presbytery_n or_o the_o bishop_n alone_o in_o behalf_n and_o as_o mederator_n of_o the_o presbytery_n or_o the_o bishop_n alone_o as_o indeed_o something_o great_a whether_o as_o in_o a_o superior_a order_n or_o only_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n be_v but_o a_o school_n nicety_n then_o either_o a_o presbyter_n or_o the_o presbytery_n &_o to_o who_o office_n this_o part_n do_v proper_o belong_v and_o as_o to_o these_o thing_n though_o we_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o dark_a yet_o many_o palpable_a indication_n lead_v we_o to_o feel_v this_o last_o to_o be_v the_o thing_n design_v against_o which_o if_o i_o may_v now_o stand_v to_o debate_v i_o can_v show_v this_o not_o only_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o evangelic_n parity_n and_o simplicity_n and_o apostolic_a practice_n and_o destitute_a even_o of_o these_o pretend_a testimony_n of_o the_o next_o age_n for_o a_o fix_a prostasia_fw-la but_o that_o it_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a imposture_n of_o the_o prelatic_a spirit_n first_o injurious_o to_o usurp_v and_o then_o mysterious_o to_o involve_v the_o matter_n of_o ordination_n that_o the_o bishop_n may_v have_v the_o dignity_n to_o be_v its_o proper_a dispensator_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v the_o more_o thereby_o advance_v but_o the_o point_n here_o most_o remarkable_a be_v that_o apprehend_v his_o condescendency_n may_v render_v he_o as_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o plurality_n of_o voice_n of_o less_o power_n and_o influence_n in_o this_o affair_n behold_v how_o crafty_o he_o go_v about_o to_o salve_v his_o negative_a which_o he_o may_v not_o for_o fear_v of_o a_o discovery_n plain_o own_o and_o that_o be_v by_o make_v the_o appointment_n of_o the_o day_n for_o ordain_v to_o depend_v on_o his_o and_o the_o presbytery_n joint_a agreement_n wherein_o if_o he_o please_v to_o be_v a_o dissenter_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o his_o not_o assent_v to_o this_o circumstance_n will_v be_v of_o no_o less_o consequence_n for_o his_o purpose_n then_o if_o he_o have_v reserve_v unto_o himself_o a_o inhibit_v veto_fw-la upon_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n now_o that_o this_o power_n in_o what_o sort_n soever_o by_o he_o couch_v and_o cover_v be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v his_o want_n of_o any_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o it_o do_v abundant_o evince_v and_o further_o what_o the_o scripture_n and_o apostolic_a rule_n in_o this_o affair_n be_v these_o few_o consideration_n may_v in_o this_o place_n satisfy_v 1._o that_o the_o power_n of_o ordinantion_n be_v certain_o annex_v to_o &_o dependent_a upon_o the_o pastoral_a charge_n for_o see_v that_o the_o cure_v commit_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o to_o succeed_a pastor_n can_v not_o be_v perpetuat_fw-la without_o a_o succession_n the_o evident_a reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o with_o the_o import_n of_o that_o command_n the_o thing_n that_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o the_o same_o commit_v thou_o to_o faithful_a man_n who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o also_o do_v plain_o persuade_v the_o assertion_n 2._o as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n the_o apostle_n and_o other_o upon_o occasion_n by_o themselves_o alone_o ordain_v so_o wherever_o a_o concurrence_n do_v offer_v we_o may_v observe_v the_o act_n to_o be_v always_o joint_o do_v and_o administrat_fw-la so_o we_o find_v the_o twelve_o joint_o ordain_v and_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o seven_o deacon_n without_o any_o prerogative_n acclaim_v by_o peter_n who_o yet_o if_o falsehood_n may_v be_v compare_v have_v more_o apparent_a ground_n in_o scripture_n for_o his_o primacy_n then_o can_v be_v show_v for_o the_o presidency_n of_o any_o bishop_n next_o we_o have_v the_o fraternity_n of_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n at_o antioch_n send_v forth_o and_o impose_v hand_n upou_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n by_o a_o like_a equal_a conjunction_n 3._o it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n that_o they_o in_o a_o plural_a union_n do_v ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n and_o 4._o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o paul_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o concurrence_n with_o other_o presbyter_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o timothy_n do_v attribute_v the_o same_o act_n indifferent_o to_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o to_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n which_o scripture-ground_n be_v join_v to_o the_o want_n of_o any_o probable_a reason_n for_o this_o singularity_n and_o the_o manifest_o woeful_a and_o sad_a consequence_n of_o this_o episcopal_a imparity_n with_o the_o present_a unquestionable_a design_n of_o bear_v down_o the_o just_a liberty_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n minister_n in_o a_o convenient_a subserviency_n to_o man_n lust_n and_o wickedness_n by_o the_o stiff_a and_o inflexible_a retain_v of_o this_o privilege_n do_v i_o be_o confident_a make_v out_o the_o eccentrick_a pre-eminence_n acclaim_v to_o be_v not_o only_o in_o itself_o unlawful_a but_o by_o our_o solemn_a oath_n to_o maintain_v presbytery_n and_o extirpate_v every_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n perpetual_o abjure_v see_v therefore_o that_o this_o article_n do_v certain_o imply_v this_o corruption_n as_o i_o have_v above_o declare_v that_o it_o can_v have_v no_o better_a acceptance_n from_o we_o than_o the_o precede_a need_v no_o further_a reason_n as_o for_o the_o other_o trifle_a circumstance_n whereby_o the_o principal_a thing_n in_o it_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v palliate_v they_o do_v not_o merit_v any_o more_o special_a inquiry_n the_o five_o article_n be_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v â—oubâ—ed_v but_o the_o lord_n commissioner_n will_v make_v good_a what_o he_o offer_v anent_o the_o establishment_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o we_o trust_v his_o grace_n will_v procure_v such_o security_n to_o the_o brethren_n for_o declare_v their_o judgement_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o without_o any_o hazard_n in_o counterveen_v any_o law_n and_o that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v humble_o and_o earnest_o recommend_v this_o to_o his_o grace_n this_o article_n make_v up_o of_o uncertain_a assurance_n ridiculous_a trust_n and_o the_o bishop_n conformable_a undertake_n be_v already_o by_o i_o sufficient_o examine_v in_o the_o very_a entry_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o there_o tell_v that_o what_o the_o commissioner_n do_v undertake_v anent_o the_o establishment_n of_o presbytery_n i_o do_v not_o exact_o know_v but_o if_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v report_v viz_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v set_v up_o as_o precede_v the_o 1638._o i_o think_v it_o can_v contribute_v nothing_o to_o the_o removal_n of_o our_o just_a exception_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o offend_v the_o reader_n by_o a_o vain_a repetition_n but_o see_v the_o ground_n former_o lay_v down_o be_v very_o material_a and_o yet_o by_o the_o most_o part_n little_o advert_v to_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o that_o after_o the_o full_a and_o plain_a account_n i_o have_v give_v of_o these_o matter_n i_o again_o run_v over_o they_o and_o 1._o that_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n presbytery_n be_v not_o found_v in_o any_o humane_a establishment_n but_o in_o the_o right_n and_o authority_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n be_v our_o constant_a persuasion_n so_o that_o though_o the_o accessary_a confirmation_n and_o countenance_n of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o and_o no_o less_o acceptance_n with_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o their_o original_a right_n 2._o before_o the_o 1638._o and_o even_o until_o the_o year_n 1661._o presbytery_n be_v found_v and_o do_v continue_v in_o this_o church_n not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o act_n of_o parliament_n whereby_o they_o be_v proper_o authorize_v but_o upon_o the_o basis_n of_o that_o intrinseck_n right_a which_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v thus_o have_v convene_v and_o settle_v themselves_o short_o after_o the_o reformation_n they_o continue_v their_o possession_n uninterrupted_a until_o the_o year_n 1661._o it_o be_v true_a they_o obtain_v the_o confirmation_n of_o king_n and_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n 1592._o as_o also_o in_o the_o year_n 1612._o many_o corruption_n introduce_v and_o
there_o be_v good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a for_o these_o that_o now_o govern_v in_o this_o church_n but_o if_o prejudice_n hinder_v not_o may_v prove_v expedient_a and_o useful_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n itself_o that_o they_o do_v use_v in_o some_o instance_n a_o little_a more_o authority_n nor_o they_o do_v and_o yet_o may_v still_o be_v very_o far_o off_o from_o proud_a and_o tyrannical_a domination_n never_o apply_v their_o power_n to_o obstruct_v what_o be_v good_a but_o to_o advance_v it_o and_o not_o at_o all_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o always_o for_o it_o and_o while_o they_o do_v so_o the_o atheism_n and_o profanness_n that_o abound_v can_v reasonable_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o government_n as_o too_o common_o it_o be_v by_o some_o but_o rather_o to_o the_o schism_n that_o be_v make_v by_o withdraw_a and_o divide_v from_o it_o for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a enemy_n in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n than_o the_o wrangling_n and_o bitter_a contention_n that_o be_v cause_v about_o the_o external_a form_n of_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o nazianzen_n pathetical_o begin_v one_o of_o his_o oration_n for_o peace_n i_o confess_v i_o have_v sometime_o wonder_v to_o see_v some_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n after_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o they_o make_v so_o great_a reckon_n of_o certain_a metaphysical_a exception_n against_o foam_n little_a word_n &_o formality_n of_o difference_n in_o the_o government_n and_o set_v so_o little_a a_o value_n upon_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n oh_o when_o shall_v the_o loud_a and_o harsh_a noise_n of_o our_o debate_n be_v turn_v to_o the_o sweet_a sound_n of_o unite_a prayer_n for_o this_o bless_a peace_n that_o we_o may_v cry_v with_o one_o heart_n and_o voice_n to_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n who_o alone_o can_v give_v it_o pacem_fw-la te_fw-la poscimus_fw-la omnes_fw-la and_o if_o we_o be_v real_a supplicant_n for_o it_o we_o will_v bewar_n of_o be_v the_o disappointer_n of_o our_o own_o desire_n and_o of_o obstruct_v the_o blessing_n we_o pray_v for_o and_o therefore_o will_v main_o study_v a_o temper_n receptive_a of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v great_a meekness_n and_o charity_n and_o certain_o whatsoever_o party_n or_o opinion_n we_o follow_v in_o this_o matter_n the_o badge_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v follower_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v this_o that_o we_o love_v one_o another_o and_o that_o law_n unquestionable_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o be_v break_v by_o bitter_a passion_n and_o revile_n and_o root_v hatred_n one_o against_o another_o for_o thing_n about_o which_o the_o right_a be_v in_o dispute_n betwixt_o we_o and_o however_o that_o be_v be_v we_o christian_n then_o doubtless_o the_o thing_n wherein_o we_o agree_v be_v incomparable_o great_a than_o these_o wherein_o we_o disagree_v and_o therefore_o in_o all_o reason_n shall_v he_o more_o powerful_a to_o unite_v we_o than_o the_o other_o to_o divide_v we_o but_o to_o restrain_v myself_o and_o stop_v here_o if_o we_o love_v both_o our_o own_o and_o the_o church_n peace_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n i_o conceive_v we_o shall_v most_o careful_o avoid_v the_o bestow_n of_o too_o great_a zeal_n upon_o small_a thing_n and_o too_o much_o fidence_n of_o opinion_n upon_o doubtful_a thing_n it_o be_v a_o mad_a thing_n to_o rush_v on_o hard_a and_o bold_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o we_o all_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o person_n it_o be_v of_o who_o solomon_n say_v that_o he_o rage_v and_o be_v confident_a the_o second_o letter_n sir_n the_o question_n betwixt_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v bishop_n govern_v absolute_o by_o themselves_o and_o their_o delegate_n but_o concern_v bishop_n govern_v in_o conjunction_n with_o presbyter_n in_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n of_o which_o we_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o contrary_n to_o the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o must_v agreeable_a to_o both_o if_o any_o think_v otherway_n let_v they_o produce_v their_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n if_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v such_o a_o form_n lawful_a that_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n but_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o express_a command_n or_o rule_v in_o scripture_n to_o warrant_n it_o they_o will_v sure_o be_v so_o just_a as_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o law_n themselves_o let_v they_o then_o produce_v such_o a_o express_a command_n or_o rule_v for_o their_o own_o model_n of_o kirk-session_n presbytery_n synod_n provincial_a &_o national_a and_o a_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o their_o several_a dependence_n and_o subordination_n for_o the_o ordinary_a and_o constant_a government_n and_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o necessary_a change_n of_o the_o moderator_n in_o these_o meeting_n except_v only_o that_o of_o the_o kiâ—k-session_n wherein_o the_o minister_n be_v constanly_a to_o moderate_a for_o without_o such_o a_o express_a rule_n as_o this_o a_o bishop_n or_o fix_a precedent_n may_v very_o well_o consist_v with_o that_o whole_a from_o they_o contend_v for_o and_o it_o be_v real_o and_o actual_o so_o at_o this_o present_a in_o this_o church_n and_o they_o stand_v so_o much_o the_o rather_o oblige_v to_o bring_v a_o clear_a command_n for_o these_o judicatories_n and_o their_o subordination_n because_o they_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v of_o unquestionable_a divine_a right_n and_o the_o very_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n and_o the_o only_a lawful_a and_o absolute_o necessary_a government_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n whereas_o the_o asserter_n of_o other_o form_n do_v not_o usual_o speak_v so_o big_a if_o they_o shall_v say_v they_o be_v not_o against_o a_o fix_a precedent_n or_o bishop_n or_o call_v he_o what_o you_o will_v for_o to_o contest_v about_o name_n especial_o in_o so_o grave_a a_o matter_n be_v trivial_a and_o childish_a but_o that_o the_o question_n be_v about_o their_o powâ—r_n than_o we_o beg_v that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o let_v that_o be_v all_o the_o question_n betwixt_o we_o and_o then_o we_o hope_v the_o controversy_n will_v be_v quick_o end_v for_o we_o trust_v we_o shall_v be_v find_v not_o at_o all_o desireous_a to_o usurp_v or_o effect_v any_o undue_a power_n but_o rather_o to_o abate_v of_o that_o power_n which_o be_v reasonable_a and_o conform_a even_o to_o primitive_a episcopacy_n then_o that_o a_o schism_n shall_v continue_v in_o this_o church_n upon_o that_o score_n but_o be_v it_o suppose_v that_o bisbop_n do_v stretch_v their_o power_n somewhat_o beyond_o their_o line_n let_v all_o the_o world_n judge_n whether_o minister_n be_v for_o that_o engage_v to_o leave_v their_o station_n and_o withdraw_v from_o those_o meeting_n of_o the_o church_n which_o themselves_o approve_v of_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n yea_o and_o as_o many_o of_o they_o have_v do_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o whole_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n because_o of_o some_o degree_n of_o wrong_n do_v they_o as_o they_o think_v in_o that_o point_n of_o power_n or_o wether_n they_o have_v not_o sufficient_o acquit_v themselves_o and_o discharge_v there_o conscience_n by_o free_a declare_v of_o their_o opinion_n concern_v that_o matter_n &_o modest_o desire_v the_o redress_n of_o it_o &_o patient_o wait_v for_o it_o though_o it_o be_v not_o present_o redress_v &_o continue_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o own_o duty_n to_o their_o power_n though_o other_o above_o they_o or_o about_o they_o do_v transgress_v they_o or_o seem_v at_o least_o to_o they_o to_o do_v so_o otherwise_o if_o we_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v for_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v or_o that_o we_o judge_v faulty_a in_o other_o person_n or_o in_o the_o frame_n of_o thing_n to_o relinquish_v either_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o or_o our_o station_n in_o it_o what_o will_v there_o be_v but_o endless_a swarm_n of_o separation_n and_o division_n in_o any_o church_n under_o the_o sun_n but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n in_o this_o business_n of_o we_o that_o stick_v after_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o covenant_n as_o to_o that_o wave_v all_o the_o irregularity_n of_o it_o though_o so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o diverse_a both_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n they_o seem_v to_o annul_v the_o obligation_n of_o it_o suppose_v it_o still_o to_o bind_v all_o that_o take_v it_o and_o suppose_v likewise_o that_o the_o present_a episcopacy_n in_o this_o church_n be_v that_o same_o that_o be_v abjure_v in_o that_o covenant_n yet_o the_o article_n relate_v thereto_o oblige_v each_o one_o only_o to_o this_o to_o endeavour_v whithin_o there_o call_v and_o station_n
religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n and_o that_o thereby_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o disown_n and_o reject_v the_o author_n episcopacy_n and_o fix_a presidency_n from_o which_o our_o government_n be_v at_o that_o time_n express_o reform_v be_v that_o which_o i_o be_o persuade_v he_o himself_o dare_v not_o serious_o deny_v 2._o whatever_o mean_v interest_n passion_n or_o prejudice_n may_v possible_o devise_v yet_o that_o the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n be_v in_o themselves_o most_o plain_a safe_a and_o sound_a can_v be_v controvert_v but_o 3._o that_o under_o this_o very_a form_n of_o word_n both_o england_n do_v give_v and_o scotland_n do_v obtain_v a_o sufficient_a assurance_n for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o england_n as_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n establish_v in_o scotland_n be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o explain_v in_o as_o much_o as_o not_o only_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o declare_a rule_n do_v thereto_o strict_o and_o antecedentlie_o tie_v as_o have_v be_v make_v out_o but_o whoever_o herewith_v consider_v the_o knowledge_n the_o english_v have_v of_o our_o then_o constitution_n the_o affectionate_a sympathy_n they_o have_v testify_v both_o in_o our_o labour_n and_o victory_n whereby_o it_o be_v attain_v their_o frequent_a and_o significant_a insinuation_n in_o public_a in_o private_a in_o print_n and_o in_o speech_n to_o this_o purpose_n their_o express_a engage_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o frame_n their_o brotherlie_a covenant_v and_o concur_v with_o we_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o many_o other_o circumstance_n will_v without_o hesitation_n conclude_v that_o we_o have_v as_o pregnant_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n of_o there_o be_v like_o mind_a with_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o can_v be_v demand_v or_o expect_v by_o ingenuous_a man_n from_o a_o nation_n at_o that_o time_n so_o unsettle_a and_o discompose_v and_o therefore_o see_v there_o be_v nothing_o for_o several_a year_n precede_v more_o clear_o and_o distinctlie_o hold_v forth_o by_o we_o then_o that_o we_o judge_v the_o form_n of_o government_n then_o in_o be_v among_o we_o to_o be_v the_o only_a church_n government_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o think_v we_o may_v well_o take_v the_o author_n suggestion_n as_o if_o the_o english_v will_v never_o have_v pass_v this_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v only_o a_o cunning_a hint_n to_o colour_n a_o confidence_n which_o cannot_v be_v avow_v it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o love_n of_o truth_n and_o zeal_n of_o god_n do_v much_o abate_v &_o error_n abound_v in_o that_o nation_n whence_o to_o many_o who_o desire_v a_o suitable_a licence_n the_o just_a severity_n of_o presbytery_n become_v uneasy_a and_o odious_a but_o as_o that_o do_v nothing_o convel_v the_o former_a argument_n by_o i_o adduce_v so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o true_a that_o the_o sound_a and_o better_a part_n of_o england_n not_o carry_v away_o by_o the_o present_a defection_n do_v still_o own_o presbyterian_a government_n as_o by_o we_o assert_v to_o be_v the_o only_a government_n that_o our_o lord_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n but_o our_o author_n tell_v we_o yea_o it_o be_v not_o unknow_v how_o careful_a one_o of_o the_o english_a commissioner_n be_v to_o have_v that_o clause_n insert_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o how_o secure_a he_o think_v himself_o and_o his_o country_n by_o that_o expression_n from_o the_o inroade_a of_o scottish_a presbytery_n upon_o they_o notwithstanding_o that_o former_a article_n premise_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o well_o admit_v this_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n what_o then_o â—_o if_o one_o of_o they_o be_v a_o deceaver_n &_o deceive_v &_o yet_o manifest_o take_v in_o his_o own_o craftiness_n what_o be_v either_o the_o work_n or_o the_o covenant_n the_o worse_a if_o confident_a error_n or_o treachery_n be_v sufficient_a to_o consute_n the_o truth_n the_o author_n need_v not_o have_v call_v this_o witness_n to_o his_o assistance_n but_o see_v it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o whoever_o that_o person_n be_v and_o whatever_o may_v have_v be_v his_o peculiar_a opinion_n and_o communication_n or_o correspondence_n with_o the_o author_n in_o it_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o such_o thing_n open_o declare_v or_o treat_v nor_o have_v it_o the_o least_o foundation_n in_o the_o word_n under_o debate_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v by_o they_o as_o manifest_o confure_v as_o the_o author_n now_o be_v to_o what_o he_o former_o profess_v most_o repugnant_a the_o thing_n be_v scarce_o worthy_a this_o my_o reflection_n and_o yet_o behold_v the_o conclusion_n that_o the_o author_n draw_v from_o it_o thus_o say_v he_o be_v the_o contriver_n of_o that_o covenant_n bussy_v in_o patch_v it_o up_o to_o outwit_v one_o another_o by_o word_n and_o clause_n how_o incoâ—herent_a and_o discordant_a soever_o to_o salve_v their_o different_a interest_n and_o opinion_n and_o to_o make_v it_o strong_a in_o odium_fw-la tertii_fw-la how_o weak_a soever_o it_o may_v prove_v to_o discern_a man_n by_o disagree_v and_o jar_v with_o itself_o and_o a_o very_a babel_n by_o the_o divide_a and_o confuse_a language_n of_o its_o architect_n and_o thus_o our_o author_n have_v abandon_v all_o conscience_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n do_v also_o cast_v off_o all_o shame_n and_o in_o his_o envy_n stand_v not_o open_o to_o contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v if_o he_o have_v premise_v any_o thing_n to_o give_v so_o much_o as_o a_o colour_n to_o this_o incoherence_n discordance_n and_o confusion_n object_v somewhat_o in_o excuse_n of_o such_o conclusion_n may_v be_v indulge_v to_o his_o passion_n and_o interest_n but_o when_o nothing_o have_v be_v allege_v except_o a_o blind_a conjecture_n of_o some_o person_n their_o different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o sound_a and_o plain_a form_n of_o word_n contrary_a to_o the_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o selâ—_n and_o from_o which_o inconvenience_n the_o most_o pure_a light_n of_o divine_a revelation_n have_v not_o be_v exempt_v upon_o their_o ground_n to_o infer_v a_o accusation_n against_o the_o holy_a covenant_n in_o the_o term_n we_o have_v hear_v can_v only_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o most_o wicked_a indignation_n and_o apostatick_a malice_n lord_n bow_v down_o thy_o ear_n and_o hear_v open_a lord_n thy_o eye_n and_o see_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o man_n who_o have_v set_v himself_o to_o reproach_v thy_o truth_n and_o woâ—k_n which_o thou_o have_v manifest_o own_v and_o save_v i_o beseech_v thou_o thy_o people_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o these_o evil_a man_n that_o all_o the_o church_n may_v know_v that_o thou_o be_v the_o holy_a loâ—d_n god_n of_o truth_n who_o search_v the_o reins_n and_o heart_n and_o therefore_o in_o return_n to_o this_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n i_o shall_v only_o here_o brief_o add_v to_o what_o i_o have_v in_o the_o former_a discourse_n observe_v to_o this_o purpose_n 1._o that_o all_o the_o forge_a ambiguity_n and_o inconsistency_n that_o either_o the_o deceit_n of_o hypocrite_n or_o perverseness_n of_o open_a adversary_n have_v hitherto_o labour_v to_o fix_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o frame_n of_o this_o oath_n be_v not_o only_o the_o fate_n of_o truth_n but_o according_a to_o its_o proper_a virtue_n by_o the_o serious_a consideration_n thereof_o in_o its_o own_o light_n most_o ready_o and_o satisfy_o salve_v 2._o as_o the_o covenant_n be_v attend_v by_o a_o most_o signal_n power_n and_o presence_n from_o on_o high_a so_o it_o be_v sincere_a prosecution_n be_v constant_o bless_v with_o a_o very_a beautiful_a concord_n and_o whoever_o divide_v from_o its_o genuine_a meaning_n and_o purpose_n do_v quick_o also_o abandon_v the_o reverence_n and_o regard_v thereof_o which_o he_o once_o profess_v 3._o that_o not_o only_o the_o forsaker_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v relinquish_v it_o without_o repentance_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n by_o the_o irritation_n of_o their_o own_o guilt_n and_o shame_n be_v exasperate_v to_o irrational_a rail_n and_o rage_n but_o if_o the_o revile_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o ungodly_a world_n be_v the_o badge_n of_o truth_n the_o covenant_n have_v from_o the_o beginning_n be_v thereby_o very_o notable_o confirm_v and_o all_o its_o true_a follower_n may_v herein_o rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_v glade_n as_o be_v by_o the_o lord_n pronounce_v bless_v 4._o that_o as_o the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v very_o visible_o promote_v both_o by_o the_o covenant_n and_o its_o contriver_n and_o confusion_n former_o and_o calamity_n and_o waste_a consumption_n now_o the_o certain_a and_o manifest_a effect_n of_o man_n swerve_a and_o backslide_v from_o it_o and_o as_o in_o that_o